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Sport · 1955

Tiger Cub T 20

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MotoLibrary Score
38 /100 Commuter
Power/Weight
0.1 hp/kg
Top Speed
106 km/h
Engine
199 ccm

1955 Triumph Tiger Cub T 20 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1955 Triumph Tiger Cub T 20 sport motorcycle, Triumph features a 199 cc (12.1 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 10 HP (7.3 kW) at 6,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 50.3 HP per liter, the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the Tiger Cub T 20 measures 96.2 kg (212 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.1 HP/kg (9.62 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,245 mm (49 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 11.36-liter (3 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 106 km/h (66 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Triumph archive, this model family spans 16 indexed model years from 1954 to 1969, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
50.3 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.1 HP/kg (9.62 kg/HP)
Engine
Displacement 199.0 ccm (12.14 cubic inches)
Engine Type Single cylinder, four-stroke
Engine Details Amal monobloc carburettor
Power 10.0 HP (7.3 kW)) @ 6000 RPM
Compression 7.1:1
Bore x Stroke 63.0 x 64.0 mm (2.5 x 2.5 inches)
Fuel System Carburettor
Fuel Control Overhead Valves (OHV)
Lubrication Dry sumpy
Cooling Air
Transmission
Gearbox 4-speed
Final Drive Chain (final drive)
Clutch Wet multiplate
Performance
Top Speed 106.0 km/h (65.9 mph)
Chassis
Front Suspension Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension Plunger rear suspension
Wheelbase 1245 mm (49.0 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 3.00-19
Rear Tyre 3.00-19
Front Brakes Expanding brake (drum brake)
Front Brake Ø 112 mm (4.4 inches)
Rear Brakes Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear Brake Ø 112 mm (4.4 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 96.2 kg (212.0 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.1040 HP/kg
Fuel Capacity 11.36 litres (3.00 US gallons)
Oil Capacity 2.40 litres (2.54 US quarts)
Other
Color Options Silver, red/white, blue/white
Notes

Made at Triumph´s Meriden factory.

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Fuel Capacity
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Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

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Beginner
A2 license compatible, manageable power.
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Best For
Sport & Track
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Handling
Very lightweight — easy to handle
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